Many people experience stress and anxiety surrounding a variety of dental issues. Maybe that describes you. We don’t think it should be that way at Associates of Dentistry. So, this week, we want to talk about some important dental issues that are normal and treatable. Hopefully, this informational post will remove some of the mystery surrounding these common problems and encourage you to talk to your dentist sooner rather than later.

1. Receding Gums

Receding gums is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth wears away, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the root. This can occur for various reasons, including insufficient oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing and flossing, and periodontal disease. It can also be a result of genetics or the natural aging process.

Symptoms of receding gums may include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth pain, and the appearance of longer teeth. In severe cases, receding gums can lead to tooth loss.

Treatment for receding gums depends on the severity of the condition. It may include improved oral hygiene, changes to brushing and flossing techniques, and possibly surgical procedures to cover exposed roots and restore gum tissue.

2. Bad Breath

Bad breath may be temporary and can be resolved by improving oral hygiene or addressing underlying medical issues. Sometimes bad breath may be a chronic problem that requires ongoing treatment. Other causes of bad breath include dry mouth, tobacco use, certain medications, and medical conditions such as gum disease and respiratory tract infections.

We strongly recommend scheduling a dental appointment if bad breath presents a persistent problem. Getting concrete answers can be a huge relief and will help improve your oral health over the long term.

3. Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems and can be prevented through good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits to the dentist. If you have a cavity, your dentist will recommend treatment, including filling the cavity with a special material or placing a crown over the tooth.

Cavities are caused by bacteria that produce acid as they digest sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth. Over time, this acid can erode the enamel and create a hole in the tooth. Cavities can range in size and depth and may not cause any symptoms until they become large and affect the deeper layers of the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can cause tooth pain, infection, and tooth loss.

4. Unstraight Teeth

There are no perfectly straight teeth. Each mouth is different. However, crooked teeth can be treated and there are multiple reasons to consider doing so, especially if you have a particularly severe case of misaligned teeth.

Having unstraight teeth can affect the appearance of your smile and may also cause problems with speaking and chewing. It is important to address crooked teeth as soon as possible, as they can also lead to issues with the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

For information about treatments for crooked teeth, read our recent blog on Invisalign.

Schedule A Dental Appoinment

All of the above mentioned dental porlems are extremely common and should be no cause for embarrassment. However, these problems are likely to intensify if left untreated. Your best bet is to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of these conditions. And, even if you don’t think you have any of these conditions, you should still have regular dental checkups to ensure best health for your teeth and mouth.

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